Mike Gillis, the rookie Canuck general manager who promised to bring new ideas to the job, said it would be unfair not to let Luongo be captain just because of the position he plays.

"Leaders lead by example," said Gillis. "Roberto is the leader of this team right now. We felt really strongly about that. To not do something like this means you have a leader that is unrecognized.

"We wanted to make sure he is recognized for his contribution both on and off the ice."

Luongo, 29, often was Vancouver's best player last year when the team missed the playoffs for the second time in three years. He said he was stunned when Vigneault first approached him with the idea in September.

"I didn't expect it when Alain came and asked," he said. "I was definitely surprised but at the same time I was happy and flattered."

Luongo said he isn't bothered he won't have a letter on his sweater.

"It really doesn't change anything for me," he said. "It's a matter of people knowing I'm captain. At the same time, I'm sure it involves a lot more stuff off the ice."

Last season, Luongo had a 35-29-9 record, a 2.38 goals-against average, .917 save percentage and six shutouts in 73 games. At times he seemed to resent the intense media scrutiny he received in a market where hockey is the No. 1 sport.

There also have been questions about how much longer Luongo will want to remain in Vancouver unless the Canucks become Stanley Cup contenders. He has two years left on a four-year, $27-million US contract.

Gillis denied naming Luongo captain was a way to convince him to remain in Vancouver.

"I think keeping Roberto here long-term is going to be based on our competitiveness, as it will be with most players," he said. "We must do everything possible to compete as well as we can."